KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Malaysia is building what will be the nation’s tallest skyscraper, saying the project will generate around 11 billion ringgit ($2.67 billion) for the economy and bolster the country’s bid to become a tourist hub.
Prime Minister Najib Razak said at a launch ceremony Wednesday that the name of the planned 118-story tower in downtown Kuala Lumpur would be Merdeka PNB118. “Merdeka” means independence in Malay. When completed, the skyscraper will stand 2,067 feet (630 meters) from ground level to the top of its spire, according to project owner Permodalan Nasional Bhd., Malaysia’s largest fund management company. Kuala Lumpur’s landmark Petronas Twin Towers, currently the country’s tallest buildings, stand 1,483 feet.

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